Marquez Branson

TE Central Arkansas

Grade

4.71 SEC

22 REPS

35.0 INCH

109.0 INCH

Overview

Senior Bowl quarterback Nathan Brown's favorite target at Central Arkansas, Branson ranks as one of this draft's better H-back candidates. A tight end for the Bears, Branson lacks the preferred size to hold up as an inline blocker, but flashes the strength and tenacity in this phase of the game to compete. While at least a marginal presence as a blocker, Branson's value lies with his receiving skills. He has led the Bears in touchdown receptions (18) since signing with the team out of East Mississippi Community College in 2006, and earned All-Southland Conference first-team accolades in 2008 by averaging 16.4 yards per catch. Had an arm span of 34 1/4 inches and a hand span of 10 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Stout frame with room for additional growth. Good initial quickness off the snap. Athletic enough to gain a free release off the line and to shake linebackers to gain separation. Secure receiver who looks the ball into his hands. Can take a shot and maintain possession. Good speed to challenge the seam. Surprisingly physical at the point of attack as a run blocker. Gets a good initial pop and will battle for position.
Negatives: May have to make the transition to H-back or fullback at the next level due to his lack of preferred size and strength. Has no experience as a traditional fullback. Good effort, but only marginal overall strength as a blocker. Level of competition a concern. May struggle with a complicated playbook.